PORT BIENVILLE RAILROAD DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

H-1

APPENDIX H: AGENCY CORRESPONDENCE & 

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Port Bienville Railroad

Environmental Impact Statement

Agency Coordination & 

Public Involvement Plan
Port Bienville Railroad 

Agency Coordination & Public Involvement Plan

Texas TBPE Firm Registration No. F-3043 1 Project No. FRA-0023-00(003)/105494 101000-102000

© 2012 CDM Smith

All Rights Reserved

1. Purpose of Coordination Plan

This document provides a framework for the agency, stakeholder, and public involvement 

activities that will be undertaken during the Port Bienville Railroad Phase 1 Feasibility Study and 

Phase 2 Environmental Documentation. Coordination with interested parties was initiated 

during the Phase 1 Feasibility Study, and the information collected and parties reached during 

that phase will be carried forward in the process to the Phase 2 Environmental Documentation 

outreach activities. In anticipation of Phase 2, this Coordination Plan addresses requirements 

outlined in SAFETEA-LU Section 6002. 

Section 6002 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Act: a Legacy for Users 

(SAFETEA-LU) requires that lead agencies establish a plan for coordinating public and agency 

participation and comment during the environmental review process. The purpose of this 

Coordination Plan is to define the process by which the Mississippi Department of 

Transportation (MDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the 

Hancock County Ports and Harbor Commission (HCPHC), will communicate information about 

the Port Bienville Railroad Feasibility Study and appropriate environmental documentation to 

the public, stakeholders, and agencies. The Plan also identifies how input will be solicited and 

considered.

The Coordination Plan integrates the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended 

(NEPA) requirements with other environmental review and consultation requirements in order 

to reduce delay in the environmental review process. This Plan has been prepared in 

collaboration with the MDOT and FRA for the completion of the Port Bienville Railroad Project 

through Hancock and Pearl River Counties in the State of Mississippi. 

This Coordination Plan will:

 Describe the early coordination efforts conducted during Phase 1;

 Identify potential cooperating and participating agencies to be involved in agency 

coordination (Phase 2);

 Establish the timing and form of agency involvement in defining the project’s purpose and 

need and study area, the range of alternatives to be investigated and methodologies, as well 

reviewing documents (Phase 2);

 Establish the timing and form of public involvement in defining the project’s purpose and 

need and study area and the range of alternatives to be investigated, providing input on 

issues of concern and environmental features, and commenting on the findings presented 

(Phase 2); and

 Describe the communication methods that will be implemented to inform stakeholders and 

the public about the project (Phase 2).
Feasibility Study and Environmental Document Port Bienville Railroad  Coordination Plan 

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The Coordination Plan will be updated periodically to reflect any changes to the project schedule and other 

items that typically require updating over the course of the project. 

The Plan will be divided into two major sections, the involvement of agencies and the involvement of 

stakeholders and the general public. Each of these sections will identify the activities that will occur during 

Phase 2 of the Project. Agencies are defined as any local, state or federal government body that has 

authority in the decision making process. A stakeholder is defined as a group, organization or business that 

has a stake or major interest in the project. The public is defined as individuals that live or work within in 

the study area or may be impacted by the project. 

2. Project Description

MDOT conducted a Feasibility Study and is pursuing the appropriate Environmental Documentation for the 

location of a new railroad line to connect the Port of Bienville Short Line Railroad, located at the Port 

Bienville Industrial Park (Port), Hancock County, with the Norfolk Southern Railroad in the vicinity of 

Nicholson in Pearl River County. 

The ultimate goal is to identify feasible alternatives and to obtain an approved environmental document for 

the preferred location of this proposed rail line. This project includes two phases. The first phase, Phase 1, 

determined the feasibility of constructing and operating the rail line, reasonable alternative corridors for 

consideration, and the economic benefits including potential funding sources. This was through a Class of 

Action Recommendation Memo submitted to FRA. The second phase, Phase 2, will include the preparation 

of an environmental impact statement based on the known existing conditions to determine potential

human and natural environment impacts of the project. 

There are three guiding principles for this Project:

 First, that any plan to locate the railroad must provide positive benefits for the Port, the Railroads, and 

the counties involved.

 Secondly, the railroad location corridor must be compatible with the county’s natural and human 

environment.

 Finally, the MDOT anticipates a high degree of community and stakeholder involvement and 

participation throughout the process. The MDOT and the CDM Smith Team will be proactively engaged 

to ensure effective stakeholder involvement during the course of this study.

2.1 Study Area

The Project Study Area, in general, encompasses a portion of Hancock and Pearl River Counties. The project 

study area is generally bounded by Nicholson to the north, Port Bienville Industrial Park to the south, the 

Pearl River to the west, and Stennis International Airport and Kiln to the east, representing a study area of 

approximately 180 sq. mi. The proposed railway corridor is expected not to exceed a length of 30 mi. A map 

of the project study area is provided in Figure 1.
Feasibility Study and Environmental Document Port Bienville Railroad  Coordination Plan 

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Figure 1. Project Study Area
Feasibility Study and Environmental Document Port Bienville Railroad  Coordination Plan 

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3. Agency Involvement (Phase 2)

3.1 Agency Roles and Responsibilities

FRA will be the lead federal agency for this project. As lead federal agency in the Section 6002 process, FRA 

is responsible for making certain decisions specified in Section 6002. In addition, FRA has an overall 

responsibility for facilitating the expeditious completion of the environmental review process, reviewing 

and accepting the environmental document, and ensuring MDOT complies with all requirements. MDOT, in 

cooperation with HCPHC as project sponsor, will act as Joint Lead Agency for this project.

As outlined in the SAFETEA-LU Section 6002 Environmental Review Process Checklist and in cooperation 

with FRA, this Plan is intended to define the process by which FRA shall communicate information about 

the project to the lead, cooperating, participating and other agencies. The plan will identify early 

coordination efforts, identify cooperating and participating agencies, and establish the timing and form for 

agency involvement in defining the project’s purpose and need, as well as the alternatives to be 

investigated. The following provides a description of agency involvement.

In addition to FRA, the study team for this project consists of MDOT, HCPHC, FHWA, and the consultant

team of CDM Smith and HDR. For more information about the study team coordination, see Section 7. 

Cooperating Agencies

Cooperating Agencies are any federal agency other than the lead agency that has discretionary authority 

over the proposed action, jurisdiction by law, or special expertise with respect to the environmental 

impacts expected to result from the proposed project. Federal agencies with jurisdiction by law (with 

permitting or land transfer authority) are required to be invited to be Cooperating Agencies for an EIS. 

Invitations to be a cooperating agency will be sent following the scoping meeting. If at any point new 

information reveals the need to request another agency to serve as a Cooperating Agency, FRA will issue 

that federal agency an invitation. MDOT will issue requests to non-federal agencies. A list of potential 

cooperating agencies is provided in Appendix A (Note: Appendix A is a work-in-progress and will be finalized 

as the project evolves).

Participating Agencies (coordination through MDOT)

Participating agencies are those that may have an interest in the project and is afforded an opportunity for 

involvement in the development of the proposed project. Participating agencies may also provide access to 

information integral to understanding and assessing the potential impacts and benefits of the project. 

MDOT will formally invite participating agencies to participate in the environmental review of the project. 

Invitations to be a participating agency will be sent at the beginning of Phase 2. A list of proposed 

participating agencies is provided in Appendix A.

3.2 Scoping

At the beginning of Phase 2, an invitation to an agency scoping meeting will be sent to federal agencies with 

jurisdiction by law or special expertise and/or federal, state, tribal, regional, and local government agencies 

with an interest in the proposal or study area. The letters will include a Project Summary, Project Location 

Map, and background information from Phase 1 of the project, including the Feasibility Study. 

The format of the agency scoping meeting will be a general meeting with presentation of project 

information. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the project scope, needs and objectives; review 
Feasibility Study and Environmental Document Port Bienville Railroad  Coordination Plan 

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the Phase 1 Feasibility Study, including the corridors that were identified; gather pertinent information and 

identify issues and concerns that should be addressed in the EIS; discuss agency roles and responsibilities 

discuss the next steps in the EIS process. The scoping meeting was held on August 19, 2015. 

A separate meeting with the American Indian Tribal representatives will be held if determined to be 

necessary.

3.3 Agency Coordination Meetings

In addition to scoping, two additional agency coordination meetings will be held during the development of 

the project at key project milestones. These meetings will provide opportunities provide agencies with 

project updates and allow agencies to provide input on these coordination points. 

3.3.1 Coordination Points

Cooperating and participating agencies have legal and general governmental obligations to work 

cooperatively to improve the environmental review process. 

The intent of coordination points is to set a deadline for agency input in order to move the project study 

forward. These coordination points do not require concurrence or total agreement between agencies. If 

there is not concurrence, the lead and cooperating agencies will take information into account when project 

decisions are being made. 

The cooperating and participating agencies identified in Appendix A will at a minimum be participating at 

the following four coordination points in the environmental review process during Phase 2:

 Scoping Meeting;

 Agency Coordination Meeting #1;

 Review of the environmental document; and

 Agency Coordination Meeting #2.

The process for coordination associated with each of the major milestones (coordination points) for this 

project are listed in Table 1 and Table 2 below.

Table 1. Coordination Points, Information Requirements and Responsibilities

COORDINATION POINT

INFORMATION OUT 

FROM LEAD AGENCIES

INFORMATION IN

(INPUT)

AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR 

INPUT

Scoping Meeting Provide a project overview and 

results of Phase 1 to the agencies, 

stakeholders, and public. Discuss 

how corridors were identified and 

evaluated in Phase 1 with the 

agency.

Comments on the 

issues and concerns in 

the study area. 

Comments on draft 

purpose and need.

All cooperating and 

participating agencies 

and the public.

Agency Coordination 

Meeting #1

Review of the range of corridors, 

refinement and identification of 

reasonable alternatives to carry 

into the EIS.

Comments on 

potential alternatives 

and issues of concern.

All participating and 

cooperating agencies 

and the public.
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Table 1. Coordination Points, Information Requirements and Responsibilities

COORDINATION POINT

INFORMATION OUT 

FROM LEAD AGENCIES

INFORMATION IN

(INPUT)

AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR 

INPUT

Provide agencies and the public 

with purpose and need statement; 

Comments on Purpose 

and Need and issues of 

concern.

(Note: 30-day 

Comment Period for 

Participating and 

Cooperating Agencies 

and Public)

All cooperating and 

participating agencies 

and the public.

Impact Assessment

Methodologies -

Provide agencies opportunity to 

collaborate on the development 

and review of the methodologies 

and level of detail required for the 

analysis of reasonable alternatives.

Collaboration and 

input through the

development of

methodologies, and

comments on

proposed 

methodologies.

All participating and

cooperating agencies.

Review of the 

environmental 

document. 

Circulate of the document to 

agencies.

Comments on the 

environmental 

document.

Cooperating agencies 

and potentially all 

participating.

Agency Coordination 

Meeting #2

Preferred Alternative: Provide 

agencies and the public with the 

identified preferred alternative

Comments on the 

preferred alternative.

All cooperating and 

agencies and 

participating the public.

Table 2. How Lead Agencies Will Make Information Available

Coordination Point Cooperating/Participating Agencies Public

Purpose and Need Discuss needs for the project at Phase 1 

scoping meeting; provide draft purpose 

and need statement at Phase 2 scoping

meeting.

Provide draft purpose and need 

statement at Phase 2 scoping 

meeting.

Range of Alternatives Discuss AART corridor identification and 

evaluation during Phase 1; present range 

of alternatives identified in Phase 1 at 

Phase 2 scoping agency meeting.

Provide reasonable alternatives at 

public information meeting.

Impact assessment

methodologies | Level

of detail required for

analysis of alternatives

Circulate applicable impact

assessment methodologies with

agencies via individual meetings or email

correspondence; present

methodologies via regularly scheduled

coordination meetings.

None

Review of the 

environmental document.

Circulate document to cooperating 

agencies.

Circulate document to libraries 

within the study area and make EIS 

available at public hearing. 

Preferred Alternative Present preferred alternative to

agencies at agency coordination meetings

Present preferred alternative to 

public via the environmental

document 
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4. Additional Coordination Activities

4.1 Section 106 Consulting Party Coordination

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires the FRA and MDOT, in consultation 

with the State Historic Preservation Officers, to identify potential consulting parties and to invite them to 

participate in the Section 106 process.

FRA may use its procedures for public involvement under NEPA to satisfy the NHPA Section 106 

requirements for public involvement as well, providing they offer adequate opportunities for public 

involvement. The NHPA requires the federal agency or its designee to seek the participation and consider 

the opinions on interested and appropriate parties throughout the Section 106 process including the 

identification and evaluation of cultural resources potentially affected by the project, the evaluation of 

project effects to historic properties, and the development of appropriate mitigation plans as needed. This 

involvement is referred to as consultation. MDOT shall consider the nature of the project and the kinds of 

historic properties potentially affected to identify the appropriate individuals, organizations, and entities 

with whom FRA will consult. Because MDOT considers Section 106 requirements early in the NEPA 

process, compliance with both statues will be coordinated throughout the project.

The project team will contact the Mississippi SHPO during the early phase of the project development 

process for any guidance or information to avoid any known archeological sites in the study area. A

completed Request for Cultural Resources Assessment form will be submitted to the Mississippi SHPO at 

the Historic Preservation Division of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Mississippi SHPO 

has 30 days to review the project. 

4.2 Tribal Consultation

FRA will be responsible for all coordination with all federally recognized Native American Tribes. As the 

lead federal agency, FRA initiated government-to-government consultation by letter with the federally 

recognized Native American tribes in Mississippi listed below:

 Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

 Chickasaw Nation

 Jena Band of Choctaw

 Tunica-Biloxi Indians of Louisiana, Inc.

 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

 Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma

 Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas

 Muscogee Creek Nation 

Tribal consultation will occur at the four coordination points identified in Section 3.3.1. FRA will be 

responsible for coordination with all the federally recognized Native American Tribes for this project. 
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5. Public Involvement Activities

The public will be provided opportunities to provide specific input on the purpose and need, the EIS, and 

the preferred alternative. A project specific plan for public input has been developed below which outlines 

the opportunities to be provided to the public to be involved in the project development process and 

describes strategies for encouraging public input, as required by NEPA. 

5.1 Key Messages

There are several key messages that will be emphasized and communicated to stakeholders and the public 

throughout the study. These messages are intended to support the goals of the Public Involvement Plan:

 The study is an objective process to help determine what actions, if any, are needed to best serve the 

rail transportation needs of Port Bienville and the area.

 Before a project can be constructed, the FRA requires the completion of an environmental study. 

 The feasibility study was completed in February 2013. The environmental study is expected to be 

complete in the fall of 2017.

 Funding sources for construction have yet to be identified.

 MDOT and FRA encourage the public’s participation and will actively seek out and engage all who may 

be affected.

 The public has a voice in the decision-making process and MDOT will listen to and consider all input.

5.2 Public Scoping Meeting

A formal public scoping meeting will be held early on in Phase 2 to inform the public about the 

environmental study, identify any issues and concerns that should be addressed in the EIS, and solicit input 

on the draft project purpose and need.

5.3 Public Meetings 

Up to two public meetings will be conducted during Phase 2. A second public meeting will be held to 

inform the public about study milestones and achievements and provide an opportunity to comment on the 

range of reasonable alternatives to be evaluated in the EIS.

The public meetings will be an open house format to allow attendees to review exhibits, discuss issues with 

project personnel one-on-one, and to provide written and oral comments. Short presentations at the public 

meetings may be provided by the project team.

Notices will be sent to public officials, elected officials, property owners, and other key stakeholders giving 

notification of each meeting/hearing. FRA will also notify members of the public who have requested to be 

notified of any public involvement activities through. 

MDOT will publish print advertisements and notices in the local media to reach as broad a spectrum of the 

community in the study area as possible. The following is a list of local newspapers that will be used to 

disseminate information to the public: The Sun Herald (Biloxi); The Sea Coast Echo (Bay Saint Louis) and 

The Picayune Item (Picayune). Each ad with consist of a quarter-page ad. 

Meeting notices and advertisements will also be published on the www.gomdot.com website. 
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5.4 Public Hearing

Upon issuance of the Draft EIS, a public hearing will be held to receive comments the project and the 

document. The public hearing will be an open-house format to allow attendees to review exhibits, discuss 

issues with project personnel one-on-one, and to provide written and oral comments. The open house 

portion of the hearing will be followed by a formal presentation with the opportunity for the public to make 

oral comments. A court reporter will be available at the hearing to transcribe comments that individuals 

may want to give orally. The study team will prepare an official transcript of the public hearing. 

Notices will be sent to public officials, elected officials, property owners, and other key stakeholders giving 

notification of each meeting/hearing. Print advertisements and notices will also be published in the local 

media to reach as broad a spectrum of the community in the study area as possible.

5.5 Key Stakeholder Meetings

The Project Team will be available to conduct briefings, interviews, and/or small group meetings with local 

officials, key community leaders, community/civic groups, business groups, or other interested parties or 

organizations. These activities will also be used as opportunities to disseminate information about the 

project, solicit public input on the study issues and corridor needs, answer questions, and present findings. 

The Project Team will work with local officials, schools, churches, and various other entities to facilitate 

involvement from residents and other stakeholders in the project area in settings that are accessible and 

comfortable.

During Phase 2, key stakeholders will continue to be engaged to provide feedback and comments that will 

be used during major coordination and decision making milestones. 

A list of key stakeholders and full contact information is provided in Appendix A.

6. Communications Protocol

6.1 Media Relations

MDOT will handle all contact with the media during the project. During Phase 2, public involvement will be 

coordinated through Sedrick Durr, who is responsible for outreach within MDOT’s Environmental Division. 

Project updates may be provided to the media at major project milestones. Notices of public meetings and 

hearings will be advertised in local media outlets. Advertisements must be published in the newspaper at 

least 14 days prior to any public meeting.

FRA Public Affairs will speak on behalf of FRA on project related issues.

6.2 Project Factsheets

Project fact sheets will be developed, during Phase 2, to be distributed during outreach efforts and public 

meetings. The fact sheets will be published both in print and posted to MDOT’s website for distribution in 

the study area.

6.3 Project Website Content

MDOT’s website, www.gomdot.com, will be updated with project information, contact information, purpose 

and need of the project, study area maps, public meeting announcements, and other project information as 

needed. Sensitive data that is protected by federal and state regulations will not be accessible. FRA will 

maintain a website for the EIS. It will be updated by FRA periodically and will serve as a repository for the 
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Notice of Intent, Draft EIS, Final EIS, and Record of Decision (ROD). FRA will also publicize public meetings 

and provide general project information on the website.

6.4 Project Database

A project database and mailing list of interested parties was developed at the initiation of the feasibility 

study and it will be maintained throughout the project. It will be designed to allow for targeted mailings 

and updating information, if necessary. This database will be designed to allow for innovative means for 

communicating with the public, and allowing for citizens to decide to receive project information 

electronically or by paper mail. The database is located in Appendix A. It is expected that this will be a 

dynamic database and be updated regularly as additional Stakeholders are identified.

7. Study Team Coordination

The study team consists of MDOT, HCPHC, FRA, FHWA, and the consultant team of CDM Smith and HDR. 

Through the development of the Phase 2 and the EIS, the study team will conduct status meetings via 

conference calls every three weeks. 

In addition, the study team will meet at key milestones during project development, including: designation 

of reasonable/build alternatives to be evaluated in the DEIS, review of the Administrative DEIS, and

selection of a preferred alternative. These meetings may be conducted via conference call, webinar or in 

person.
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Appendix A: List of Agencies and Stakeholders
Feasibility Study and Environmental Document Port Bienville Railroad  Coordination Plan 

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Table A.1. Agencies and Stakeholders for the Port Bienville Railroad Feasibility Study 

AGENCY NAME CONTACT PERSON | TITLE | PHONE ADDRESS | E-MAIL PROPOSED ROLE

CSX Transportation John Sanford

Manager Industrial Development

(205) 943-4771

500 Beacon Parkway W. 

Birmingham, AL 35209

john_sanford@csx.com

Stakeholder

Environmental 

Protection Agency 

(EPA), Region 4

Kenneth Dean

EPA

MDOT Liaison

(678) 628-2079 (MS)

(404) 562-9900 (GA)

6578 Dogwood View Pkwy, Ste. A

Jackson, MS 39213

dean.william-kenneth@epa.gov

Stakeholder

Federal Highway 

Administration (FHWA)

Claiborne Barnwell

Project Development Team Leader 

(601) 965-4217

100 West Capitol Street, 

Suite 1062

Jackson, MS 39269

claiborne.barnwell@dot.gov

Cooperating 

Agency

Federal Railroad 

Administration (FRA)

Catherine Dobbs

Environmental Specialist

(202) 493-6347

John Winkle

Grants Manager

(202) 493-6067

Melissa Hatcher

Environmental Protection 

Specialist

(202) 493-6075

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Railroad Administration

1200 New Jersey Ave SE 

Washington, DC 20590

Catherine.Dobbs@dot.gov

john.winkle@dot.gov

melissa.hatcher@dot.gov

Federal Lead 

Agency

Gulf Coast Business 

Council

Jack Norris

President

(228) 897-2020

11975-D Seaway Road

Gulfport, MS 39503

jnorris@msgcbc.org

Stakeholder

Gulf Regional Planning 

Commission

Elaine Wilkinson

Executive Director

(228) 864-1167

1232 Pass Road

Gulfport, MS 39501

egw@grpc.com

Participating 

Agency

Hancock County Board 

of Supervisors (HCBOS)

Lisa Cowan

President

(228) 467-0172

854 Highway 90, Suite A

Bay St. Louis, MS 39520

Participating 

Agency or 

Stakeholder

Hancock County 

Chamber of Commerce

Tish Williams

Executive Director

(228) 467-9048

111 Court Street

Bay St. Louis, MS 39520

tish@hancockchamber.org

Stakeholder

Hancock County Ports 

& Harbor Commission 

(HCPHC)

Steve Landry

Port Director

(228) 533-0212

Janet Sacks 

Finance Director

(228) 467-9231

Ashley Edwards

(228) 223-1423

P.O. Box 2267

Bay St. Louis, MS 39521

slandry@hcphc.ms

jsacks@hcphc.ms

aedwards@hcphc.ms

Project Sponsor 

or Stakeholder
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Table A.1. Agencies and Stakeholders for the Port Bienville Railroad Feasibility Study 

AGENCY NAME CONTACT PERSON | TITLE | PHONE ADDRESS | E-MAIL PROPOSED ROLE

Mississippi Department 

of Archives and History

(MDAH)

H.T. Holmes

Director 

(601) 576-6850

Pam Lieb

(601) 576-6945

Greg Williamson

Review and Compliance Officer

601-576-6538

P.O. Box 571 

Jackson, MS 39205

hholmest@mdah.state.ms.us

plieb@mdah.state.ms.us

gwilliamson@mdah.state.ms.us

Participating 

Agency

Mississippi Department 

of Environmental 

Quality (MDEQ)

Trudy Fisher

Executive Director

(601) 961-5171

Florence Watson

Branch Chief

Water Quality Certification Section

(601) 961-5614

Leah Drinnon

Carrie Barefoot

(601) 961-5171

P.O. Box 2261 

Jackson, MS 39225

tfisher@mdeq.ms.gov

P.O. Box 2249

Jackson, MS 39225

florence_watson@deg.state.ms.us

leah_drinnon@deq.state.ms.us

cabarefoot@envirocomp.net

Participating 

Agency

Mississippi Department 

of Marine Resources 

(DMR)

Dr. William W. Walker

Executive Director 

(228) 374-5000

Willa Brantley

Director

Bureau of Wetlands Permitting

(228) 523-4108

1141 Bayview Avenue

Biloxi, MS 39530

bill.walker@dmr.ms.gov

willa.brantley@dmr.ms.gov

Participating 

Agency

Mississippi Department 

of Transportation 

(MDOT)

Jeff Ely

State Planning Engineer

(601) 359-7667

Kim Thurman

Environmental Division

(601) 359-7922

Rhea Vincent

Environmental Project Manager

(601)359-7920

Sedrick Durr

Environmental Division

(601) 359-7920

PO Box 1850 

Jackson, Ms 39215-1850

401 N. West Street

Jackson, MS 39201

jely@mdot.state.ms.us

kthurman@mdot.state.ms.us

vincent@mdot.ms.gov

sdurr@mdot.ms.gov

Joint Lead 

Agency or 

Project Sponsor

Mississippi Department 

of Wildlife, Fisheries & 

Parks

Dr. Sam Polles

Executive Director

(601) 432-2400

Andy Sanderson

Conservation Resources Biologist

(601) 576-6064

Maya Rao 

Chief, Air Division

601-961-5242

1505 Eastover Drive

Jackson, MS 39211

spolles@mdwfp.state.ms.us

2148 Riverside Drive

Jackson, MS 39202

phillip.sanderson@mmns.state.ms.u

s

P. O. Box 2261

Jackson, MS 39225

maya_rao@deg.state.ms.us

Participating 

Agency
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Table A.1. Agencies and Stakeholders for the Port Bienville Railroad Feasibility Study 

AGENCY NAME CONTACT PERSON | TITLE | PHONE ADDRESS | E-MAIL PROPOSED ROLE

Mississippi 

Development Authority 

(MDA)

Brent Christensen

Executive Director

(601) 359-3449

PO Box 849

Jackson, Mississippi 39205

Stakeholder

Mississippi Enterprise 

for Technology, Stennis 

Space Center

Charles E. Beasley

President & CEO

(228) 688-3144

Building 1103, Suite 140

Stennis Space Center, MS 39259

Stakeholder

NASA, John C. Stennis 

Space Center

Patrick Scheuermann

Director

Tim Pierce

Center Services Facility Planning & 

Utilization Division, NASA

(228) 326-6532

Bo Clarke, P.E, Env Officer 

Center Operations Directorate

(228) 342-4706

Center Operations Directorate

Stennis Space Center, MS 39259

mark.v.glorioso@nasa.gov

david.k.lorance@nasa.gov

Cooperating 

agency

NOAA Fisheries Service, 

Southeast Regional 

Office

Rick Hartman

Habitat Conversation Division

(225) 389-0508 Ext. 202 or 203

Baton Rouge, LA 

richard.hartman@noaa.gov

Cooperating 

Agency

Norfolk Southern Mike Grimm

Manager Industrial Development 

Direct Line (205) 451-4749 

Fax (205) 451-4751

mike.grim@nscorp.com Stakeholder

Partners for Pearl River 

County

(601) 749-4919 P.O. Box 278

Picayune, MS 39466

partners@partners.ms 

Stakeholder

Pearl River Basin 

Development District

(601) 354-6301 P. O. Box 5332

Jackson, MS 39296

Stakeholder

Pearl River County 

Board of Supervisors 

(PRCBOS)

J. Patrick Lee

President

(601) 403-2300

200 South Main St. 

Poplarville, Ms. 39470

Participating 

Agency or 

Stakeholder

Southern Mississippi 

Planning and 

Development District

Leslie Newcomb

Executive Director

(228) 868-2311

9229 Highway 49

Gulfport, MS 39503

Stakeholder

U.S. Department of 

Agriculture,

Natural Resources 

Conservation Service

James Curtis

Acting State Conservationist

(601) 965-5205

Delaney Johnson

(601)965-5205

100 W. Capitol Street 

Suite 1321, Federal Building

Jackson, MS 39269

James.curtis2@ms.udsa.gov

Delaney.johnson@ms.udsa.gov

Cooperating 

Agency

U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, 

NEPA Program,

Office of Policy and 

Management

Ntale Kajumba

(404) 562-9620

Atlanta Federal Center

61 Forsythe St., SW

Atlanta, GA

kajumba.ntal@epa.gov

Stakeholder
Feasibility Study and Environmental Document Port Bienville Railroad  Coordination Plan 

15 Project No. FRA-0023-00(003)/105494 101000-102000

Table A.1. Agencies and Stakeholders for the Port Bienville Railroad Feasibility Study 

AGENCY NAME CONTACT PERSON | TITLE | PHONE ADDRESS | E-MAIL PROPOSED ROLE

U.S. Fish & Wildlife 

Service, Region 4

David Felder

Highway Projects Biologist

MDOT Liaison

(601) 321-1131

(601) 965-4900

Amy Carson

(601) 321-1130

6578 Dogwood View Pkwy, Ste. A

Jackson, MS 39213

david_felder@fws.gov

amy_commens-carson@fws.gov

Cooperating 

Agency

USACE Mobile District Charles Allred

(601) 631-5546

Charles.r.allred@usace.army.mil

P.O. Box 2288

Mobile, AL 36628

Cooperating 

Agency

USACE Vicksburg 

District

Anthony Lobred

Project Manager 

Permit Compliance

MDOT Liaison

(601) 631-5470

4155 Clay Street

Vicksburg, MS 39183

anthony.r.lobred@usace.army.mil

Cooperating 

Agency

Federal Aviation 

Administration(FAA)

Jonathan Linquist

(601) 664-9893

PO Box 20636

Atlanta, Ga 30320

Jonathan.linquist@faa.gov

Participating 

Agency

Wetlands Solutions

(Mitigation Bank in Study 

Area)

(228) 575-7747 14231 Seaway Road, Suite 7007

Gulfport, MS 39503

Stakeholder

Note: This list will be revised and expanded as the project progresses.

Other Interested Parties

 Property owners

 Homeowners groups/neighborhood associations

 Business associations

 Churches

 Citizens groups


















SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

Washington, DC 20423

Office of Environmental Analysis

March 8, 2016

David Valenstein

Chief, Environmental and Corridor Planning Division

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Railroad Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.W.

Washington D.C. 20590

Dear Mr. Valenstein:

In response to your letter dated February 3, 2016, the Surface Transportation Board, which has jurisdiction 

over entry and exit licensing of freight railroads, accepts your invitation to participate as a cooperating agency in 

the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Port Bienville Freight Railroad

Project. We understand the EIS will analyze the potential environmental impacts of the construction of a new 24-

mile freight rail line connecting the Port Bienville Shortline Railroad from the Port Bienville Industrial Park in 

Hancock County to the Norfolk Southern main line in Nichols, Mississippi. We also understand that at this stage in 

project planning, an applicant has not been identified. Because the proposed project is likely to require Board 

authority, we look forward to cooperating with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Mississippi Department

of Transportation to prepare appropriate environmental analyses that will satisfy the requirements of all three 

agencies.

Under the relevant regulations of both the President’s Council on Environmental Quality and the Board’s 

regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Office of Environmental Analysis 

will review the EIS and provide information and comments to ensure the Board’s compliance with NEPA and other 

environmental statutes. Our contact person will be Jeff Irwin, Environmental Protection Specialist in the Office of 

Environmental Analysis. He can be reached at 202-245-0299 or irwinj@stb.dot.gov. We look forward to working 

with you and the Mississippi Department of Transportation on this NEPA review.

Sincerely,

Victoria Rutson Director

Office of Environmental Analysis

Cc: Rhea Vincent, Environmental Division, Mississippi Department of Transportation
March 14, 2016 F/SER46:RH:jk

 225/389-0508

Mr. David Valenstein, Chief

Environmental and Corridor Planning Division

Federal Railroad Administration

US Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Mr. Valenstein:

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received your letter dated February 3, 

2016, requesting our participation as a cooperating agency in the preparation of the 

environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Port Bienville Project. The project consists of 

approximately 24 miles of new railroad line to connect the Port Bienville Short Line Railroad 

with the Norfolk Southern mainline in Nichols, Mississippi. The Federal Railroad 

Administration and Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) are federal and local 

sponsors overseeing EIS preparation. 

Staff of NMFS have participated in one conference call to date on this project. Portions of the 

proposed new railroad are located in coastal areas in Mississippi having tidally influenced 

wetlands and waterbottoms categorized as essential fish habitat under provisions of the 

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Such tidally influenced habitats 

are supportive of a variety of economically important marine fishery species under management 

by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Given the potential impacts to NMFS-trust 

resources which could result from project implementation, we agree to serve as a cooperating 

agency in the preparation of the EIS for the Port Bienville railroad project. It should be noted 

that due to staffing and travel constraints, our participation in the preparation of the EIS may be 

limited to our review and comment on draft National Environmental Policy Act documents, 

teleconferences, and occasional travel to meetings. 

We appreciate your invitation to serve as a cooperating agency on the EIS for the Port Bienville 

project. Richard Hartman in our Baton Rouge office should be your primary point of contact. 

His email address is Richard.Hartman@noaa.gov and his phone number is (225) 389-0508, 

extension 203. 

Sincerely, 

Virginia M. Fay

Assistant Regional Administrator 

Habitat Conservation Division
2

c:

F/SER, Silverman

F/SER4, Dale

F/SER46, Swafford

FRA, DOT, Hatcher

Files

Melinda L. McGrath

Executive Director

P O. Box 1850

Jackson, MS 39215-1850

Telephone (601 ) 359-7001

FAX(601) 359-7110

GoMDOT.com

Q+-e++

{tk_r,##;H;,1_,.

Mark C. McConnell

Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer

Lisa M. Hancock

Deputy Executive Director/Ad ministration

Willie Huff

Director, Office ol Enforcement

Charles R. Carr

Director, Office of lntermodal Planning

July 29,2016

Mr. Gary Rikard

Executive Director

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality

Post Office Box 20305

Jackson, Mississippi 39289

Dear Mr. Rikard:

Re: Invitation to Become a Participating Agency in the Port Bienville

Rail Study and Environmental Impact Statement

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in coordination with the Mississippi Department of

Transportation (MDOT) as a co-lead agency has initiated an Environmental Impact Staternent

(EIS) for the proposed Port Bienville Railroad Project. The proposed Project would include the

construction of approximately 24 miles of new railroad line in order to connect the Port Bienville

Railroad (PBRR) in Hancock County with the Norfolk Southem (NS) railroad in Pearl River

County.

The proposed railroad connection would provide the Port with access to two Class 1 rail services.

The PBRR currently has a single connection with the CSX railroad, an east/west rail line. The

connection to the NS railroad, a north/south rail line, would provide the PBRR with dual Class I

rail access and would help Hancock County, Pearl River County, and the Stennis Space Center

attract new industries and encourage economic gowth and investment opportunities to help

recover from the recent hurricane disasters. Additional information on the proposed project rnay

be found in the Notice of Intent (NOD published in the Federal Register on June 2,2015, and on

the proj ect web site : https ://www. fra. dot. gov/P a gelP 07 9 8.

We are requesting that your agency be a participating agency pursuant to Section 6002 of the

Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users

(SAFETEA-LU) [Public Law 109-59, 811012005]. We believe that your agency may have an

interest in this transportation project. This designation would not imply that your agency

supports the proposed project.

Pursuant to Section 6002 of SAFETEA-LU, participating agencies are responsible for

identiffing, as early as practicable, any issues of concern regarding the project's potential

environmental, social, or economic impacts that could substantially delay or prevent an agency

from granting a permit or other approval that is needed for the project. Section 6002 is intended

Ironsporfotion: The Driving Force of o Sfrong Economy
Mr. Gary Rikard

July 29,2016

Page2

to ensure that agencies are fully engaged in the scoping of the project and have influence in the

decisions regarding alternatives to be evaluated in detail in the NEPA analysis. Your agency's

potential role as a participating agency in the development of the above project includes the

following as they relate to your area of expertise:

1) Provide meaningful and early input on defining the purpose and need, determining the

range of alternatives to be considered, and the methodologies and level of detail required

in alternatives analysis.

2) Participate in coordination meetings and joint field reviews as appropriate.

3) Provide timely review and comment on the pre-draft or pre-final environmental

documents to reflect the views and concerns of your agency on the adequacy of the

document, alternatives considered, and the anticipated impacts and mitigation.

We ask that you respond to MDOT in writing with an acceptance or denial of the invitation no

more than 30-days from the date of this letter. If you should choose to decline the invitation,

please state your reason for doing so. Pursuant to SAFETEA-LU Sec. 6002, any Federal agency

that chooses to decline an invitation to be a participating agency must specifically state that the

agency:

r Has no jurisdiction or authority with respect to the project;

. Has no expertise or information relevant to the project; and

. Does not intend to submit comments on the project.

We look forward to your response to our request for your agency to be a participatingagency

and to working with you on this transportation project. The favor of a reply is requested by

September t,2016. If you have any questions or would like to discuss in more detail the project

or the agencies' respective roles and responsibilities during the preparation of this EIS, please

contact Adam Johnson at ajohnson@mdot.ms.gov or 601-359-7920.

Sincerely,

4"2--'-A /|*.'

Ms. Kim Thurman

Environmental Division Administrator

KDT:abj

cc: Ms. Florance Bass, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality

Mr. Michael T. McGuire, Project Manager, CDM Smith
Melinda L. McGrath

Executive Director

P. O. Box 1850

Jackson, MS 39215-1850

Telephone (601) 359-7001

FAX (601) 359-7110

GoMDOT.com

Mark C. McConnell

Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer

Lisa M. Hancock

Deputy Executive Director/Admi nistration

Willie Huff

Director, Office of Enlorcement

Charles R. Carr

Director, Office of lntermodal Planning

J:uly 29,2016

Ms. Katherine Blount

State Historic Preservation Offi cer

Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Post Office Box 571

Jackson, Mississippi 39205

Dear Ms. Blount:

Re: Invitation to Become a Participating Agency in the Port Bienville

Rail Study and Environmental Impact Statement

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in coordination with the Mississippi Department of

Transportation (MDOT) as a co-lead agency has initiated an Environmental Impact Statement

(EIS) for the proposed Port Bienville Railroad Project. The proposed Project would include the

construction of approximately 24 miles of new railroad line in order to connect the Port Bienville

Railroad (PBRR) in Hancock County with the Norfolk Southern (NS) railroad in Pearl River

County.

The proposed railroad connection would provide the Port with access to two Class I rail services.

The PBRR currently has a single connection with the CSX railroad, an east/west rail line. The

connection to the NS railroad, a nortl/south rail line, would provide the PBRR with dual Class I

rail access and would help Hancock County, Pearl River County, and the Stennis Space Center

attract new industries and encourage economic growth and investment opportunities to help

recover from the recent hurricane disasters. Additional information on the proposed project may

be found in the Notice of Intent (NOI) published in the Federal Register on June 2,2015, and on

the proj ect website : https : //www. fra. dot. gov/P a gelP 07 9 8.

We are requesting that your agency be a participating agency pursuant to Section 6002 of the

Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users

(SAFETEA-LU) lPublic Law 109-59, 811012005). We believe that your agency may have an

interest in this transportation project. This designation would not imply that your agency

supports the proposed project.

Pursuant to Section 6002 of SAFETEA-LU, participating agencies are responsible for

identiffing, as early as practicable, any issues of concern regarding the project's potential

environmental, social, or economic impacts that could substantially delay or prevent an agency

from granting a permit or other approval that is needed for the project. Section 6002 is intended

Tronspor-tofion: fhe Driving Force of o Strong Economy
Ms. Katherine Blount

July 29,2016

Page2

to ensure that agencies are fully engaged in the scoping of the project and have influence in the

decisions regarding alternatives to be evaluated in detail in the NEPA analysis. Your agency's

potential role as a participating agency in the development of the above project includes the

following as they relate to your area of expertise:

1) Provide meaningful and early input on defining the purpose and need, determining the

range of altematives to be considered, and the methodologies and level of detail required

in alternatives analysis.

2) Participate in coordination meetings and joint field reviews as appropriate.

3) Provide timely review and comment on the pre-draft or pre-final environmental

documents to reflect the views and concerns of your agency on the adequacy of the

document, alternatives considered, and the anticipated impacts and mitigation.

We ask that you respond to MDOT in writing with an acceptance or denial of the invitation no

more than 30-days from the date of this letter. If you should choose to decline the invitation,

please state your reason for doing so. Pursuant to SAFETEA-LU Sec. 6002, any Federal agency

that chooses to decline an invitation to be a participating agency must specifically state that the

agency:

. Has no jurisdiction or authority with respect to the project;

. Has no expertise or information relevant to the project; and

. Does not intend to submit comments on the project.

We look forward to your response to our request for your agency to be a participating agency

and to working with you on this transportation project. The favor of a reply is requested by

September 1,2016. If you have any questions or would like to discuss in more detail the project

or the agencies' respective roles and responsibilities during the preparation of this EIS, please

contact Adam Johnson at ajohnson@mdot.ms.gov or 601-359-7920.

^ Sincerely,

Ms. Kim Thurman

Environmental Division Administrator

KDT:abj

cc: Mr. Jim Woodrick, Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Mr. Michael T. McGuire, Project Manager, CDM Smith
Melinda L. McGrath

Executive Director

P O. Box 1850

Jackson, MS 39215-1850

Telephone (601) 359-7001

FAX (601) 359-7110

GoMDOT.com

Mark C. McConnell

Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer

Lisa M. Hancock

Deputy Executive Director/Ad ministration

Willie Huff

Director, Office of Enforcement

Charles R. Carr

Director, Office of lntermodal Planning

Jtily29,2016

Mr. Jamie Miller

Executive Director

Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

1141 Bayview Avenue

Biloxi, Mississippi 39530

Dear Mr. Miller:

Re: Invitation to Become a Participating Agency in the Port Bienville

Rail Study and Environmental lmpact Statement

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in coordination with the Mississippi Department of

Transportation (MDOT) as a coJead agency has initiated an Environmental Impact Staternent

(EIS) for the proposed Port Bienville Railroad Project. The proposed Project would include the

construction of approximately 24 miles of new railroad line in order to connect the Port Bienville

Railroad (PBRR) in Hancock County with the Norfolk Southem (NS) railroad in Pearl River

County.

The proposed railroad connection would provide the Port with access to two Class 1 rail services.

The PBRR currently has a single connection with the CSX railroad, an east/west rail line. The

connection to the NS railroad, a north/south rail line, would provide the PBRR with dual Class I

rail access and would help Hancock County, Pearl River County, and the Stennis Space Center

attract new industries and encourage economic growth and investment opportunities to help

recover from the recent hurricane disasters. Additional information on the proposed project may

be found in the Notice of Intent (NOD published in the Federal Register on June 2,2015, and on

the proj ect website : https ://www. fra. dot. gov/Page/P079 8.

We are requesting that your agency be a participating agency pursuant to Section 6002 of the

Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users

(SAFETEA-LU) [Public Law 109-59, 8/10/2005]. We believe that your agency may have an

interest in this transportation project. This designation would not imply that your agency

supports the proposed project.

Pursuant to Section 6002 of SAFETEA-LU, participating agencies are responsible for

identiffing, as early as practicable, any issues of concern regarding the project's potential

environmental, social, or economic impacts that could substantially delay or prevent an agency

from granting a permit or other approval that is needed for the project. Section 6002 is intended

Tronsportofion: The Driving Force of o Strong Economy
Mr. Jamie Miller

July 29,2016

Page2

to ensure that agencies are fully engaged in the scoping of the project and have influence in the

decisions regarding alternatives to be evaluated in detail in the NEPA analysis. Your agency's

potential role as a participating agency in the development of the above project includes the

following as they relate to your area of expertise:

1) Provide meaningful and early input on defining the purpose and need, determining the

range of alternatives to be considered, and the methodologies and level of detail required

in alternatives analysis.

2) Participate in coordination meetings and joint field reviews as appropriate.

3) Provide timely review and comment on the pre-draft or pre-final environmental

documents to reflect the views and concerns of your agency on the adequacy of the

document, altematives considered, and the anticipated impacts and mitigation.

We ask that you respond to MDOT in writing with an acceptance or denial of the invitation no

more than 3O-days from the date of this letter. If you should choose to decline the invitation,

please state your reason for doing so. Pursuant to SAFETEA-LU Sec. 6002, any Federal agency

that chooses to decline an invitation to be a participating agency must specifically state that the

agency:

. Has no jurisdiction or authority with respect to the project;

. Has no expertise or information relevant to the project; and

. Does not intend to submit comments on the project.

We look forward to your response to our request for your agency to be a participating agency

and to working with you on this transportation project. The favor of a reply is requested by

September 1,2016. If you have any questions or would like to discuss in more detail the project

or the agencies' respective roles and responsibilities during the preparation of this EIS, please

contact Adam Johnson at ajohnson@.mdot.ms.gov or 601-359-7920.

Sincerely,

) /- /')

\r4Y. --.\/- I l*"1)k\'---

I

Msl Kim Thurman

Environmental Division Administrator

KDT:abj

cc: Ms. Willa Brantley, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

Mr. Michael T. McGuire, Project Manager, CDM Smith
Melinda L. McGrath

Executive Director

P O. Box 1850

Jackson, MS 39215-1850

Telephone (601 ) 359-7001

FAX (601) 359-71 10

GoMDOT.com

Mark C. McConnell

Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer

Lisa M. Hancock

Deputy Executive Di rector/Admin istration

Willie Huff

Director, Office of Enforcement

Charles R. Carr

Director, Office of lntermodal Planning

Jluly 29,2016

Dr. Sam Polles

Executive Director

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks

1505 Eastover Drive

Jackson, Mississippi 392I I

Dear Dr. Polles:

Re: Invitation to Become a Participating Agency in the Port Bienville

Rail Study and Environmental Impact Statement

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in coordination with the Mississippi Department of

Transportation (MDOT) as a co-lead agency has initiated an Environmental Impact Statement

(EIS) for the proposed Port Bienville Railroad Project. The proposed Project would include the

construction of approximately 24 miles of new railroad line in order to connect the Port Bienville

Railroad (PBRR) in Hancock County with the Norfolk Southem (NS) railroad in Pearl River

County.

The proposed railroad connection would provide the Port with access to two Class I rail services.

The PBRR currently has a single connection with the CSX railroad, an east/west rail line. The

connection to the NS railroad, a north/south rail line, would provide the PBRR with dual Class I

rail access and would help Hancock County, Pearl River County, and the Stennis Space Center

attract new industries and encourage economic growth and investment opportunities to help

recover from the recent hurricane disasters. Additional information on the proposed project may

be found in the Notice of Intent (NOD published in the Federal Register on June 2,2015, and on

the proj ect website: https :/iwww. fra. dot. gov/Pa gelP079 8.

We are requesting that your agency be a participating agency pursuant to Section 6002 of the

Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: ALegacy for Users

(SAFETEA-LU) [Public Law 109-59, 8/10/2005]. We believe that your agency may have an

interest in this transportation project. This designation would not imply that your agency

supports the proposed project.

Pursuant to Section 6002 of SAFETEA-LU, participating agencies are responsible for

identifying, as early as practicable, any issues ofconcem regarding the project's potential

environmental, social, or economic impacts that could substantially delay or prevent an agency

from granting a permit or other approval that is needed for the project. Section 6002 is intended

Tronsportotion: fhe Driving Force of o Strong Economy
Dr. Sam Polles

Jnly 29,2016

Page2

to ensure that agencies are fully engaged in the scoping of the project and have influence in the

decisions regarding alternatives to be evaluated in detail in the NEPA analysis. Your agency's

potential role as a participating agency in the development of the above project includes the

following as they relate to your area of expertise:

1) Provide meaningful and early input on defining the purpose and need, determining the

range of alternatives to be considered, and the methodologies and level of detail required

in alternatives analysis.

2) Participate in coordination meetings and joint field reviews as appropriate.

3) Provide timely review and comment on the pre-draft or pre-final environmental

documents to reflect the views and concerns of your agency on the adequacy of the

document, altematives considered, and the anticipated impacts and mitigation.

We ask that you respond to MDOT in writing with an acceptance or denial of the invitation no

more than 30-days from the date of this letter. If you should choose to decline the invitation,

please state your reason for doing so. Pursuant to SAFETEA-LU Sec. 6002, any Federal agency

that chooses to decline an invitation to be a participating agency must specifically state that the

agency:

. Has no jurisdiction or authority with respect to the project;

. Has no expertise or information relevant to the project; and

. Does not intend to submit comments on the project.

We look forward to your response to our request for your agency to be a participating agency

and to working with you on this transportation project. The favor of a reply is requested by

September 1,2016. If you have any questions or would like to discuss in more detail the project

or the agencies' respective roles and responsibilities during the preparation of this EIS, please

contact Adam Johnson at ajohnson@mdot.ms.sov or 601-359-7920.

Sincerely,

Environmental Division Administrator

KDT:abj

cc: Mr. Andy Sanderson, Mississippi

Mr. Michael T. McGuire, Project

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks

Manager, CDM Smith
Melinda L. McGrath 

Executive Director 

P. 0. Box 1850 

Jackson, MS 39215-1850 

Telephone (601) 359-7001 

FAX (601) 359-7110 

GoMDOT.com 

October 24, 2016 

Mr. William Kenneth Dean 

EPA-MDOT Liaison 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4 

6578 Dogwood View Parkway 

Jackson, Mississippi 39213 

Dear Mr. Dean: 

Mark C. McConnell 

Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer 

Lisa M. Hancock 

Deputy Executive Director/Administration 

Willie Huff 

Director, Office of Enforcement 

Charles R. Carr 

Director, Office of lntermodal Planning 

Re: Invitation to Become a Participating Agency in the Port Bienville 

Rail Study and Environmental Impact Statement 

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in coordination with the Mississippi Department of 

Transportation (MDOT) as a co-lead agency has initiated an Environmental Impact Statement 

(EIS) for the proposed Port Bienville Railroad Project. The proposed Project would include the 

construction of approximately 24 miles of new railroad line in order to connect the Port Bienville 

Railroad (PBRR) in Hancock County with the Norfolk Southern (NS) railroad in Pearl River 

County. 

The proposed railroad connection would provide the Port with access to two Class 1 rail services. 

The PBRR currently has a single connection with the CSX railroad, an east/west rail line. The 

connection to the NS railroad, a north/south rail line, would provide the PBRR with dual Class I 

rail access and would help Hancock County, Pearl River County, and the Stennis Space Center 

attract new industries and encourage economic growth and investment opportunities to help 

recover from the recent hurricane disasters. Additional information on the proposed project may 

be found in the Notice oflntent (NOi) published in the Federal Register on June 2, 2015, and on 

the project website: https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0798. 

We are requesting that your agency be a participating agency pursuant to Section 6002 of the 

Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users 

(SAFETEA-LU) [Public Law 109-59, 8/10/2005]. We believe that your agency may have an 

interest in this transportation project. This designation would not imply that your agency 

supports the proposed project. 

Pursuant to Section 6002 of SAFETEA-LU, participating agencies are responsible for 

identifying, as early as practicable, any issues of concern regarding the project's potential 

environmental, social, or economic impacts that could substantially delay or prevent an agency 

from granting a permit or other approval that is needed for the project. Section 6002 is intended 

Transportation: The Driving Force of a Strong Economy 
Mr. William Kenneth Dean 

October 24, 2016 

Page 2 

to ensure that agencies are fully engaged in the scoping of the project and have influence in the 

decisions regarding alternatives to be evaluated in detail in the NEPA analysis. Your agency's 

potential role as a participating agency in the development of the above project includes the 

following as they relate to your area of expertise: 

1) Provide meaningful and early input on defining the purpose and need, determining the 

range of alternatives to be considered, and the methodologies and level of detail required 

in alternatives analysis. 

2) Participate in coordination meetings and joint field reviews as appropriate. 

3) Provide timely review and comment on the pre-draft or pre-final environmental 

documents to reflect the views and concerns of your agency on the adequacy of the 

document, alternatives considered, and the anticipated impacts and mitigation. 

We ask that you respond to MOOT in writing with an acceptance or denial of the invitation no 

more than 30-days from the date of this letter. If you should choose to decline the invitation, 

please state your reason for doing so. Pursuant to SAFETEA-LU Sec. 6002, any Federal agency 

that chooses to decline an invitation to be a participating agency must specifically state that the 

agency: 

• Has no jurisdiction or authority with respect to the project; 

• Has no expertise or information relevant to the project; and 

• Does not intend to submit comments on the project. 

We look forward to your response to our request for your agency to be a participating agency 

and to working with you on this transportation project. The favor of a reply is requested by 

September 1, 2016. If you have any questions or would like to discuss in more detail the project 

or the agencies' respective roles and responsibilities during the preparation of this EIS, please 

contact Adam Johnson at ajohnson@mdot.ms.gov or 601-359-7920. 

Sincerely, 

Environmental Di vision Administrator 

KDT:abj 

cc: Mr. Michael T. McGuire, Project Manager, CDM Smith 
MISSISSIPPI

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES

August 12,2016

Ms. Kim Thurman

Environmental Division Administrator

MS Department of Transportation

P.O. Box 1850

Jackson, MS 39215-1850

RE: DMR-170042; Port Bienville RailStudy and EIS

Dear Ms. Thurman:

The Department of Marine Resources in cooperation with other state agencies is responsible

under the Mississippi Coastal Program (MCP) for managing the coastal resources of

Mississippi. Proposed activities in the coastal area are reviewed to insure that the activities are

in compliance with the MCP.

The Department has received and hereby accepts your invitation to be a participating agency in

the Port Bienville Rail Study and Environmental lmpact Statement (ElS). lt appears the

proposed Port Bienville Railroad Prolect will include activities that are regulated by this office as

well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including construction through or over wetlands,

canals, or bayous.

We ask that impacts to wetlands be avoided and minimized wherever possible. Crossing of

creeks or bayous by bridging is preferable to more invasive installation methods as are

temporary impacts with wetland restoration following line installation. Routes should be

designed to avoid impacts to wetlands where practicable and to minimize impacts where

unavoidable. Department staff will be available throughout the EIS process to identify issues of

concern with the proposed project's potential Coastal Wetlands impacts. Thank you for the

opportunity to comment on your project and to participate in the EIS process.

For more information, questions concerning this correspondence, or for scheduling purposes,

contact me at the Bureau of Wetlands Permitting at (228) 523-4108 or

willa.brantley@dmr.ms. gov.

cc: Mr. Adam Johnson, MDOT

l14l Bayview Avenue . Biloxi, MS 39530. (228) 374-5000
oatiED 

sre6

srtiu

LYs

November 8,2016

U N ITED STATES ENVI RON M ENTAL PROTECTION AG EN CY

REGION 4

ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER

6.I FORSYTH STREET

ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960

Ms. Kim Thurman

Environmental Division Administrator

Mississippi Department of Transportation

P.O. Box 1850

Jackson, MS 39215-71 10

SUBJECT: Participating Agency Request for the Port Bienvilre Rail Study and

Environmental Impact Statement

Dear Ms. Thurman:

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received your letter dated

October 24,2016, inviting the EPA to become a participating agency with the Mississippi

Department of Transportation (MDOT) in the development of the Environmental Impact

Statement (EIS) for the proposed Port Bienville Railroad Project. [n accordance with the

request, the EPA accepts your invitation to become a participating agency for this project. We

will endeavor to participate in project activities in the manner suggeit.d in your letter.

The EPA's participating agency status and level of involvement does not, however,

preclude our independent review and comment responsibilities under Section 102(2)(C) of the

National Environmental Policy Act and Section 309 of the Clean Air Act, or our authorities

under the Clean Water Act. Similarly, our participating agency involvement does not imply that

the EPA will necessarily concur with all aspects of ttre-ptS.

We appreciate the opportunity to work with the MDOT as a participating agency on this

important project. Please contact Mr. William Kenneth Dean, as ouiprimary agency

representative for this project, at (404) 562-9378 or dean.william-kenneth@epa.eov if you have

additional questions.

Sincerely, oDL

Christopher A. Militscher

Chief, NEPA Program Office

Resource Conservation and Restoration Division

lnternet Address (URL1 . 6110'77*ww.epa.gov

Recyled/Recyclable o Printed with Vegetable Oil Based lnks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 3oolo postconsumer)


















MISSISSIPPI

DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES, AND PARKS

Sam Polles, Ph.D.

Executive Director

September 26,2016

Mississippi Department of Transportation

P.O. Box 1850

Jackson, Mississippi 3921 5-l 850

Re: Port Bienville Railroad Environmental Impact Statement

Hancock County, Mississippi

R# 12656

To Whom It May Concern:

In response to your request for information dated August 8,2016, we have searched our database

for occurrences ofstate or federally listed species and species ofspecial concern that occur

within 2 miles of the site of the proposed project. Please find our concerns and

recommendations below.

The followins soecies of concerr may occur within 2 miles of the area:

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME FED STATE

STATE

RANK

Acioenser oxvrinchus desotoi Gulf Stureeon LT LE SI

Asalinis aohvlla

Coastal Plain Falsefoxslove S3

Asalinis olisoohvlla

Ridge-stem Falsefoxelove S2

Alophia drummondii Pinewoods-lily S1

Amaranthus australrc Southern Amaranth SI

Anas fulvipula Mottled Duck S2B.S4N

Atractosteus soatula Allisator Gar S2

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science a 2148 Riverside Drive o Jackson, Mississippi 39202-1353 o (601) 354-7303
Bufo nebulifer Gulf Coast Toad S3

Caloposon barbatus Bearded Grass-pink S2

Celithemis amanda Amanda's Pennant S2

Charadrius melodus Pipine Plover LE.LT LE S2N

Charadrius nivosus

Southeastem Snowy

Plover LE S2

Chasmanthium

ornithorhvnchum Bird-bill Soikesrass SI52

Cirsium lecontei Leconte's Thistle S2

Cleistes bifaria Spreadins Posonia S3

Coreopsis nudata Georsia Tickseed SI52

Crvstallaria asorella Crystal Darter LE S1

Cvoerus qrticulatus Jointed Flatsedse SI

Dalea carnea var. gracilis

Pine Barrens Prairie

Clover S2S3

Desmodium tenuifolium Slim-leaf Tick+refoil S2

Dichant he lium wrishtianum Wrieht's Witcherass SI52

Eleocharis elongata Slim Spike-rush SI

Enallasma pollutum Florida Bluet S2

Epidendrum conoDseum Green-fly Orchid S2S3

Ervnsium aquaticum Marsh Ervnso SI

Eudocimus albus White Ibis S28.S3N

Farancia erytrogramma Rainbow Snake S2

Fundulus ienkinsi Saltmarsh Topminnow SC S3

Georsia Tickseed Coreopsis nudata S 152

Gomohus hodsesi Hodses'Clubtail S2

Gomohus hvbridus Cocoa Clubtail S3

Gomohus modestus Gulf Coast Clubtail S3

Gooherus oolvohemus Gooher Tortoise LT LE S2

Haliaeetus leucoc eoha lus Bald Easle S2B,S2N

Heterandria formosa Least Killifish S3

Hibiscus coccineus Brilliant Hibiscus S1 52

lctiobus niser Black Buffalo S3

ilex amelanchier Juneberrv Hollv S3

Juniperus virginiana var.

silicicola Southem Red Cedar S2

Lachnocaulon disvnum Pineland Bosbutton 52S3

Lilaeopsis carolinensis Carolina Lilaeoosis S2

Macranthera flammea Flame Flower S3

Ma lac lemy s te r rapin pi le ata

Mississippi

Diamondback Terrapin S2

Melanthium virsinicum Vireinia Bunchflower S3

Mollusk reef Oyster S3

Nerodia clarkii clarkii Gulf Salt Marsh Snake S2

Notropis chalybaeus Ironcolor Shiner LE S1
Panicum nudicaule

Naked-stemmed Panic

Grass S2S3

P e lec anus oc cidentalis

carolinensis Eastern Brown Pelican SIN

P ineui cu I a pr i mu I i fl o r a Southern Butterwort S3

P leuro bema be adl e ianum Mississippi Pietoe S3

Polvsala hookeri Hooker's Milkwort S2

Polvodon spathula Paddlefish S3

Pseudotriton montanus Mud Salamander S2

Ptero slos sas pi s ecris tata Smooth-lipped Eulophia SI

Pteronotropis welaka Bluenose Shiner S3

Pycnanthemum setosum Awned Mountain-mint S1

Rana hecl<scheri River Froe SI

Resina risida sinicola Gulf Cravfish Snake S3

Rhvnc ho s po ra curtis sii Curtiss's Beakrush S1

Rhyncho s po ra de currens Swamp-forest Beakrush S1

Rhynchospora macra Large Beakrush S2S3

Rhynchospora steno phvlla Chapman Beakrush SI52

Ruellia noctiflora Nieht-fl owerine Ruellia S2

Rue llia pedunculata ssp.

Pinetorum Pine Barren Ruellia S2S3

Saseretia minutiflora Tiny-leaved Buckthom S2

Scleria reticularis Reticulated Nutrush SI

So mato c hlo ra Drovo c ans Treetop Emerald S2

Svnsonanthus flavidulus Yellow Pipewort S2

Thalasseus maximus Royal Tern SIB,S4N

Tyto alba Common Barn-owl S3

Utricularia purDurea Purple Bladderwort S2

Xvris scabrifolia

Harper's Yellow-eyed

Grass S3

State Rank

S I 

- 

Critically imperiled in Mississippi because of extreme rarity (5 or f'ewer occurrences or very few remaining individuals or acres) or because

of some facto(s) making it vulnerable to extirpation.

52 

- 

Imperiled in Mississippi because olrarity (6 to 20 occurrences or few remaining individuals or acres) or because ofsorne t'acto(s) rnaking

it vulnerable to extirpation.

53 

- 

Rare or uncolnlnon in Mississippi (on the order ol2l to 100 occurrences).

State and Federal Starus

LE Endangered 

- 

A species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion ol its range.

LT Threatened 

- 

A species likely to becorne endangered in fbreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Based on information provided, we conclude that if best management practices are

properly implemented, monitored, and maintained (particularly measures to preven! or at

least minimize negative impacts to water quality), the proposed project likety poses no

threat to listed species or their habitats.

Recommendations:

We recommend that best management practices be properly implemented, monitored, and

maintained for compliance, specifically measures that will prevent suspended silt and
contaminants from leaving the site in stormwater run-off as this may negatively affect

water quality and habitat conditions within nearby streams and waterbodies.

In addition, portions of this project site are underlain by hydric soils and may be designated

wetlands. If this project is approved, we ask that serious consideration be given to the

cumulative impacts of wetland disturbance and elimination, and that appropriate, in-kind

mitigation be provided.

Portions of this project site are located in suitable habitat for the federally threatened and state

endangered Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). There are also documented occurrences of

gopher tortoises near the proposed project site. Therefore, we recommend that gopher tortoise

burrow surveys be conducted within twenty feet of the project site (particularly in welldrained sandy substrates). If tortoise burrows are found, the following individuals should be

contacted: Kathy Shelton (kathys@mdwfo.state.ms.us) with the MS Dept. of Wildlife,

Fisheries, & Parks and Matt Hinderliter (601-321-l132) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

There are known Bald Eagle nesting territories in the vicinity of the proposed project. One of

these is within the proposed project boundaries. While bald eagles are no longer considered

threatened or endangered, they are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act,

and guidelines concerning their protection can be found here:

http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/eagle_guidance.html, and for information regarding the life

history of Bald Eagles, please visit the following website:

http://www.fivs.gov/southeast/es/baldeagle/baea_nhstry_snstvty.html. For information regarding

bald or golden eagles, or other bird species that could be impacted, please contact Nick

Winstead, MS Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (601-576-6064).

The state and federally endangered Piping Plover and state endangered Southeastern Snowy

Plover have also been documented utililzing areas near the proposed project. The project as

proposed should have no direct impact on these species; however, any modification or addition

to the project that may adversely affect these areas could potentially impact the plovers. We ask

that consideration be given to this should the project be modified.

Gulf Sturgeon are a federally threatened, state endangered fish species known to inhabit the

vicinity. They are intimately tied to substrates by their diet which consists entirely of benthic

organisms, and could potentially be impacted due to this relationship. Potential impacts need to

be considered and fuither examined prior to the proposed renovation and expansion. If negative

impacts such as reduction in prey availability are imminent for Gulf Sturgeon, mitigation efforts

need to be made accordingly.

Please feel free to contact us if we can provide any additional information, resources, or

assistance that will help minimize negative impacts to the species and/or ecological communities

identified in this review. We are happy to work with you to ensure that our state's precious

natural heritage is conserved and preserved for future Mississippians.
Sincerely, @

Kyle Swanier, Conservation Biologist

Mississippi Natural Heritage Program

(601) s76-6047

The Mississippi Nanrral Hcritage ftrognm (MNm) has ooryilod a ddabase lhet is the most corylete source of information about Mississippi's

rare, thneatcaed, and eodenseied planb, mimls, and cological comunities. The qudity md quality of data colloctod by MNHP arc

dependeot on lte rcsearch and obccvatims of rnmy indivi&nls and orgmizations. h rneqy cases, this information is not the result of

corymhensive or sito*pocific field slln E/s; most nahral areas in Mississippi have not boen thoroughly surveyed ad ne* occumences gf plaat

md mimal spcies are often discoverod. Heritage rcports summarize the existing information knoum to the MNIIP at the time of the r€qucst and

cannot always be considered e definitive statemat oo the presencg abcence or codition of biological elements on a particular site.





































1

Belvin, Michael L.

From: melissa.hatcher@dot.gov

Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 9:13 AM

To: vincent@mdot.state.ms.us

Cc: junderwood@mdot.ms.gov; McGuire, Michael T

Subject: FW: Section 106 Consultation for the Port Bienville Railroad Project

Good morning Rhea,

I received the below response from the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians.  

Thanks,

Melissa

Melissa Hatcher

Environmental Protection Specialist

Federal Railroad Administration

(202) 493‐6075

From: Alina Shively [mailto:ashively@jenachoctaw.org]  

Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 10:08 AM

To: Hatcher, Melissa (FRA)

Subject: Section 106 Consultation for the Port Bienville Railroad Project

Dear Ms. Hatcher:

Regarding the above‐mentioned project, the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians’ THPO hereby requests Cultural Resources

Survey information for the entire project location. Information may be sent via the contact information below. Thank

you.

Sincerely,

Alina J. Shively

Jena Band of Choctaw Indians

Deputy Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

P.O. Box 14

Jena, LA 71342

(318) 992‐1205

ashively@jenachoctaw.org  
1

Belvin, Michael L.

From: Underwood, John <junderwood@mdot.ms.gov>

Sent: Monday, May 16, 2016 2:33 PM

To: Vincent, Rhea; McGuire, Michael T; melissa.hatcher@dot.gov

Cc: Thurman, Kim

Subject: FW: Port Bienville Railroad Project-US DOT

FYI

John R. Underwood, M.A., RPA

MDOT Chief Archaeologist  

Environmental Division

P.O. Box 1850, Mail Code 87‐01/AR

Jackson, MS 39215

Office: 601‐359‐1476

Fax: 601‐359‐1910

Cell: 769‐257‐1569

junderwood@mdot.ms.gov

From: Section106 [mailto:Section106@mcn‐nsn.gov]  

Sent: Monday, May 16, 2016 1:24 PM

To: Underwood, John

Subject: RE: Port Bienville Railroad Project‐US DOT

Mr. Underwood,

Thank you for contacting the Muscogee (Creek) Nation concerning the Port Bienville Railroad Project Study in

Hancock County, Mississippi. This project is located within our historic area of interest and is of importance to us.

After reviewing the material provided, including the new shapefiles and the revised field methodology, it has been

determined that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has no objections to the proposed project. It should be noted that

the southern part of the line does run through a portion of our trail of tears route. We request that if any cultural

material or human remains are encountered during the field investigations, which includes ground disturbance,

construction, or demolition, we are notified. Also, if there are any additional updates, we ask to be informed of

these. Should further information or comment be needed, please do not hesitate to contact me at (918) 732‐7852

or by email at lwendt@mcn‐nsn.gov.

Thank you,

LeeAnne Wendt

LeeAnne Wendt

Historic and Cultural Preservation Department, Tribal Archaeologist

Muscogee (Creek) Nation

P.O. Box 580 l Okmulgee, OK 74447

T 918.732.7852

F 918.758.0649

lwendt@mcn‐nsn.gov
2

http://www.mcn‐nsn.gov/

Federal and state agencies, museums, and consulting partners, as of October 1, 2015 please send all Section 106

project notices as well as all NAGPRA notices to our new section106@mcn‐nsn.gov. Notices concerning these projects

will no longer be sent to individual staff member's emails. We will be accepting and responding using the new Section

106 email. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 918‐732‐7733.

From: Underwood, John [mailto:junderwood@mdot.ms.gov]  

Sent: Friday, April 22, 2016 2:12 PM

To: 'ashively@jenachoctaw.org'; 'chief@jenachoctaw.org'; 'bbordelon@tunica.org'; Bryant J. Celestine

(celestine.bryant@actribe.org); 'HPO@chickasaw.net'; earlii@tunica.org; ithompson@choctawnation.com;

'jlambert@quapawtribe.com'; 'Carleton, Ken'; Section106; 'section106@quapawtribe.com'

Cc: Thurman, Kim; Vincent, Rhea; Gray, Bruce; melissa.hatcher@dot.gov; mcguiremt@cdmsmith.com

Subject: Port Bienville Railroad Project‐US DOT

Good afternoon,

Attached is information regarding alternative locations associated with the Port Bienville Railroad Project Study in

Hancock County, MS. The attached zip file contains shape files of the alignments that are in the beginning stages of

being subjected to cultural resources survey. Also attached is the cultural resources survey field methodology.

Please contact myself (see contact information highlighted below) or 601‐359‐7920 if anyone has any questions.

John

John R. Underwood, M.A., RPA

MDOT Chief Archaeologist  

Environmental Division

P.O. Box 1850, Mail Code 87‐01/AR

Jackson, MS 39215

Office: 601‐359‐1476

Fax: 601‐359‐1910

Cell: 769‐257‐1569

junderwood@mdot.ms.gov

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This e-mail and any files or attachments may contain confidential and 

privileged information. 

If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender at the above e-mail address and delete it and 

all copies from your system. 

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This e-mail and any files or attachments may contain confidential and 

privileged information. 

If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender at the above e-mail address and delete it and 

all copies from your system. 
September 25, 2015

Melissa Hatcher

US Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

RE: Initiation of Government-to-Government Consultation with Native American Tribal 

Governments pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (36 CFR 

800.2©(2)(ii) for the Port Bienville Railroad Project

Dear Ms. Hatcher,

Thank you for contacting the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Cultural Preservation Office 

concerning the above referenced project.

After reviewing the material provided, it has been determined that the Muscogee (Creek) 

Nation would like to request additional information for this project before giving 

concurrence. We would like any information on the studies conducted for the cultural 

resources. Our area of interest are the trails that are present in this area.

Should further information or comment be needed, please do not hesitate to contact me at

(918) 732-7639 or by email at jjacobs@mcn-nsn.gov.

Thank you,

Corain Lowe-Zepeda

TCNS Coordinator

Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Cultural Preservation Department

P.O. Box 580

 Okmulgee, OK 74447









PORT BIENVILLE RAIL STUDY

ENVIRONMENT IMPACT STATEMENT

PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING

PURPOSE

“Evaluate the feasibility and environmental 

impacts assoicated with construcƟ ng a new 

freight railroad to connect Port Bienville 

Industrial Park to Norfolk Southern Railroad 

in Nicholson, MS”

PROJECT HISTORY

 Hancock County Ports & Harbor Commission 

secured a Federal Railroad AdministraƟ on 

Grant for the Port Bienville Rail Study in 2007

 FRA is the lead Federal Agency overseeing 

the project

 Mississippi Department of TransportaƟ on is 

ContracƟ ng Agency and manages the study

 Feasibility Study was completed in 2013

 NoƟ ce of Intent issued in June 2015

PROJECT FACTS

 Approximately 24 miles in length

 Crosses over I-10 and I-59

 Majority of the project lies within the Stennis 

Space Center AcousƟ cal Buff er

 No building impacts anƟ cipated

 Cost is approximately $100 million

FEASIBILITY STUDY FINDINGS

A new rail connecƟ on to Norfolk Southern 

would provide exisƟ ng business:

 Access to dual Class 1 rail service

 Improved transit Ɵ mes and reliability of 

deliveries

“Dual Class 1 rail access would enable Hancock & Pearl River CounƟ es to aƩ ract new 

industries that require this level of rail service”

ECONOMIC DRIVERS

(Rail transport in the two counƟ es)

 Value of commodiƟ es shipped by rail: $1 

billion

 543,000 carload tons/year

 Goods are primarily polymers and plasƟ cs

 70% of plasƟ c-related freight moves through 

Port Bienville Shortline Railroad

 Service impacts from single Class 1 Rail 

Carrier 

 The need for Dual Class 1 rail service for 

exisƟ ng and potenƟ al customers

 Expansion of client base and market 

opportuniƟ es.

SUBMIT COMMENTS TO:

Rhea Vincent, Environmental Division

Mississippi DOT

PO Box 1850 

Jackson, Ms 39215-1850

601-359-7920

environmentalcomments@mdot.state.ms.us
PROPOSED RAIL SEGMENTS IDENTIFIED IN FEASIBILITY STUDY

ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFO:

Port Bienville Rail Feasibility Study hƩ p://sp.mdot.ms.gov/Environmental/Pages/Projects.aspx




REGISTRATION SIGN-IN SHEET (PLEASE PRINT) 

PORT BIENVILE (PEARLINGTON, MS) 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 4:00-7:00 P.M. 

NAME ADDRESS How DID You BEAR ABOUT THE PUBLIC MEETING 

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1635 – G Popps Ferry Road * Biloxi * Mississippi * 39532

228*864*1167

September 30, 2016

Ms. Kim D. Thurman, Administrator

Environmental Division

MS Department of Transportation

401 North West Street

Jackson, MS 39201

RE: Letter of Support for Port Bienville Railroad 

Dear MS Thurman, 

The Gulf Regional Planning Commission (GRPC), serving as the metropolitan planning organization for 

the three coastal counties, Hancock, Harrison and Jackson, hereby expresses its support of the proposed 

Port Bienville Railroad Project, establishing dual Class I rail service to CSX and NS, which will lower rail 

transportation costs, reduce rail delivery times, improve reliability for existing and potential businesses 

in Hancock and Pearl River counties, and provide significant improvements in rail transportation 

resilience for the coastal region. 

This is a critically important time in the redevelopment of our coastal economy and this project carries 

tremendous economic benefit for the industries and workers, creating the potential for expansion of 

port operations and services. Jobs lost from Hurricane Katrina and the Deep Horizon Oil Spill are 

favored to return as Port Bienville would be accessible and an advantageous location for new industries. 

The six recommended segments form the Recommended Reasonable Alternative that will be further 

studied in the environmental Impact Statement. GRPC was a resource stakeholder and participated in 

the final analysis presentation of the Purpose and Need and Segment Comparison. We support the 

findings of the study and concur that the recommended alternative is the most favorable alternative to 

advance into the EIS.

We will continue to monitor the progress of the EIS and offer our assistance as needed for the success of 

the project. 

Sincerely,

GULF REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

ELAINE G. WILKINSON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR